Join us — the Yale Global Alumni Leadership Exchange – next May, as we continue our successful exchange programs with leading universities around the globe. As ambassadors for Yale, our mission is to inspire other universities to broaden their alumni relations programs and to strengthen their relationship with Yale as we do so. YaleGALE has traveled extensively: from Australia to Turkey, from Israel to Japan – and now in Europe.

What an extraordinary opportunity awaits! Actually several. On this journey we

• continue our collaboration with U.S. Embassies abroad,
• begin a relationship with European organizations for alumni relations professionals,
• conduct exchange programs with leading universities and with emerging ones.

Did I mention that we also get to visit incredible works of Man and Nature in the heart of Europe? Oh … and to put icing on the cake, we get to do this with friends, both old and new.

We start our program in Göttingen, Germany with an Exchange with the University of Göttingen at the Observatory built for the great Carl Friedrich Gauss that has been lovingly restored. The University was founded in 1734 by George II, King of Great Britain and Elector of Hanover. Yes, that King George. Not surprisingly, its Rare Book library houses many early American documents. A special exhibit of them will be prepared for YaleGALE.

A NEW FIRST FOR YALEGALE: In Göttingen, We have been invited to present a preliminary program (in English) before the annual conference of alumni-clubs.net, the professional organization of alumni relations professionals in the German-speaking world. We see the YaleGALE mission as complementary to theirs, and hope this is the first of many similar collaborations. Be a part of it.

And while in Germany, in addition to the exchanges and as part of the touring of quaint medieval towns, we will also get to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Moving on to Amsterdam, the next YaleGALE Conference on Alumni Relations will be hosted by the University of Amsterdam and sponsored by the U.S. Consul General. This is an auspicious time for alumni relations in the Netherlands. Some established alumni relations programs are gathering momentum and others are starting new alumni relations initiatives.

A PRESIDENTIAL CONFERENCE: The Conference will conclude with a working dinner bringing together the Presidents of a number of Dutch universities – a unique opportunity for YaleGALE to be a catalyst for progress in this field.

… and the tulips. We’ll get to experience Amsterdam in the spring, including a visit to the Keukenhof Garden – the largest flower garden in the world.

Travel to Zurich by overnight train, a traditional YaleGALE bonding experience. You’ll find that Zurich as a city is both livable and cosmopolitan.

EINSTEIN’S UNIVERSITY: In Zurich we meet with ETH (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule), one of the greatest universities in the world and one of Yale’s partners in the International Alliance of Research Universities. Their alumni relations program has been growing with interesting and innovative programs. Tap their brains for Yale.

Zurich is a place where luxury and high finance rub shoulders with a casual café culture. You can sample both, as did the Chagalls, Picassos, and Miros in the first third of the 20th century, when they found respite here from Bohemian Paris. They often paid their restaurant bills with their artwork, which you can still see at the Kronenhalle restaurant.

We then have a short visit to Liechtenstein and its oldest though relatively young University. In this small country sleepy looking villages nestle next to the Rhine or cling to sides of the Alps while masking a financial powerhouse. It has been said that if Swiss bankers were not discreet enough for you, there was always Liechtenstein.

A PRINCELY REALM: The University has recently expanded and significantly upgraded its status. It is looking to institute a similar intensification of alumni engagement. Our impact can be significant. They have the resources. Help them find their vision.

We finish our program with the spectacular experience of taking the Bernina Express train through the Alps – another UNESCO World Heritage Site – returning in time for our festive Farewell Dinner.

The program begins on May 6 and returns on May 18th with an on-land double- occupancy fee of $3,950. (Single supplement available at registration.) Please complete your registration for the program by clicking here or going to http://www.cvent.com/d/64q88t/4W. Feel free to contact Ben Slotznick ’70 at bslotznick@comcast.net with any questions.